Health and Wellness Review

Spend thousands on dog braces – or just give the puppy a ball

Though it may sound like some obscure practice of the ridiculously rich and famous, canine orthodontics is a legitimate field of veterinary medicine. The orthodontic work is not cosmetic – in fact, dog shows disqualify dogs who have had orthodontic treatment. Instead, the work is performed to reduce pain or improve bite functionality – remember, a dog uses its mouth much the way we use our hands.

Some dog breeds, like the English bulldog, have been selectively bred for their prominent bite. Individual dogs can also suffer bite abnormalities from birth. And although canine orthodontic treatments don’t run cheap, there’s a low-cost alternative that’s fun and easy: ball therapy! One study found success with three-quarters of puppies who held a round ball in their mouths three times a day for 15 minutes.

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